Twelve years ago, the International Titanium Association (ITA) developed an award to recognize individuals or organizations who have shown significant achievement towards improving and expanding the use of titanium. This simple idea has now evolved into an internationally recognized program which has awarded a diverse range of candidates using titanium in a variety of sectors including aerospace, industrial, medical and consumer markets.
The Titanium Applications Development (TAD) Award is intended to distinguish and remunerate commendable work in an area too little rewarded as well as potentially help support the continued development of the application. Dr. Christopher Higgins, professor at Oregon State University, won the award in 2015 for his role in developing a novel titanium application for repairing highway infrastructure. Dr. Higgins designed the idea of the titanium staple and the requirement of a surface treatment that would allow titanium alloy bars to be used to strengthen concrete bridges.
The program, now in its 12th anniversary year, is currently collecting applications for the $20,000 prize, which will be presented to the winner at the TITANIUM USA Exhibition & Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada taking place October 7-10, 2018. Visit Titanium.org to enter before June 30, 2018.
Photo caption: Ronn Dunnett, of Dunnett Classic Drums, was the 2016 TAD award winner for his unique use of titanium metal in designing Dunnett Classic Titanium snare drums, a drum tuning device and a bass drum pedal.
Image courtesy of The International Titanium Association